Automatic golf machine



June 8, 1965 P. T. FERRANTI AUTOMATIC GOLF MACHINE I5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 15, 1961 INVENTOR PHILIP T. FERRANTI June 8, 1965 P. T. FERRANTI AUTOMATIC GOLF MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 15 1961 FIG.5

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INVENTOR PHILIP T. FERRANTI ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,187,578 AUTOMATIC GOLF MACHINE Philip T. Ferranti, Pima County, Ariz. (129 N. Jacobus Ave., Tucson, Ariz.) Filed Aug. 15, 1961, Ser. No. 131,517 4 Claims. (Cl. 73--379) This invention relates to an automatic golf machine. More particularly, this invention relates to an automatic golf machine by which a game of golf may be played.

from a single position either outdoors or indoors.

While in the last few years a number of golf playing devices have been developed, most of them do not function adequately as they do not present the palyer with an accurate feel for the game. In other words, the prior art devices were not built in a manner which suificiently and accurately compared the power of a golfers stroke with the same stroke on a course.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to disclose a golf game which when played presents a correct simulation of a golfers ability to hit a golf ball for a distance which he would have driven the balls on a regular golf course.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose a golf game which presents the golfer with an accurate picture of a simulated course.

It is yet another object of the present invention to disclose a golf game which accurately measures the force with which a tethered golf ball is hit.

' It is still another object of the present invention to disclose a simulated golf game which is capable of maintaining and computing a score as to the strokes required by a golfer to sink a ball.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a general view of the game as seen by a player;

FIGURE 2 is a vertical longitudinal diagrammatical section of the operating mechanism;

FIGURE 3 is a view of the score board;

FIGURE 4 shows more or less diagrammatically a wiring diagram showing the connections to the lamps depicting paths and various switches for controlling the illumination of the lamps and controlling the motive means supplied;

FIGURE 5 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 5--5 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5A is a side View of a switch utilized in the present invention;

FIGURE 5B is a side view of the switch shown by FIGURE 5A but showing the switch in use;

FIGURE 50 is a side view of another switch utilized in the present invention.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, attention is directed to FIGURE 1 which depicts the golf game of the present invention. The golfer stands on floor portion 11. By looking towards screen 13, the participating golfer will observe a projected real image thrown on the screen by automatic sequence relay projector 15. Additionally, the golfer will observe a vertical row of ten lights 17 culminating at the pinnacle with the flag positioned in the hole on a golf green. The real image is a series of actual photographs taken from the tee and along the fairway of an actual golf course for a single hole.

Additionally, floor portion 11 represents a golf tee upon which are rotatably mounted two golf balls 19. Golf balls 3,187,578 Patented June 8, 1965 "ice 19 are mounted on the ends of steel rods 21 and 22 which are at an oblique angle with respect to floor portion 11. Attention is now directed to FIGURE 2, where it can be seenthat the rods 21 and 22 are mounted on shaft 23 as by welding or forging. Shaft 23 passes through the floor portion 11 to the underside thereof and is suitably journalled at 25 in support means 27 which may be L- shaped or constructed to form a box-like housing. Conventional construction material may be employed such as angle iron or the like. A small sprocket gear 29 is suitably keyed to the other end of shaft 23. Gear 29 is linked to a larger sprocket gear 31 by means of chain 33. Gear 31 is suitably keyed to shaft 35 which is suitably journalled at 37 to the support means 27. It will be appreciated at this point that as shaft 23 is rotated due to a force exerted on either of golf balls 19 gears 29 and 31 will rotate. 1 i

In conjunction with gear 31 is a drum-like portion 39 which may be part of the gear or may be a separate part afiixed thereto. An annular ring member 41 is in juxtaposition with the opposite surface of drum portion 39. Annular ring member 41 has a nylon string 43 attached thereto near the peripheral edge thereof which may be a hole through which the nylon thread is tied. The nylon string extends horizontally towards guide 45 and the end thereof is attached to a carriage designated, generally as 47. Carriage 47 is constructed of two roller wheels 49 and 51 having a weight 53 therebetween. The carriage 47 is permitted to operate back and forth in trackway 55 which is constructed of U-shaped steel material. The trackway 55 may be inclined from the horizontal or it is pivoted at 95. Arcuate bracket 96 holds the trackway 55 along a selected angle by means of retaining means 97. Overhead longitudinally and equidistant throughout with respect to the trackway 55 is a support means 57 along the underside of which are ten spring switches 58 which are normally open. Only a representative number of the switches are shown. A first switch 60, however, remains closed until reopened after being closed. An arm 59 is mounted on carriage 47 and contacts the switches 58 sequentially and momentarily as the carriage moves from right to left as exemplified by the drawing.

From FIGURE 5 the U-shaped structure of the channelled trackway 55 and in particular the mounting of a leaf spring switch 58 along the underside of support means 57 can be seen.

The switch 58 as can be seen from FIGURES 5A and 5B consists of two leaves 58d and 580 having contact points 58:: in confrontation. Leads 58b and 58a make contact with the leaves 58d and 58c respectively. Suitable insulation blocks present contact of the leaves. Mounted on the top of support 57 are bearing ears 57a. A suitably bent rod 59a is journalled in ears 570. A bend in rod 59a acts as a cam in depressing leaves 58d and 58c when arm 59 of trolley 47 turns rod 59a through an arc as can be seen from FIGURE 5B. When trolley 47 passes the rod 59a resumes the position shown in FIGURE 5A since gravity and the natural resiliency of the leaves accomplish this.

In FIGURE 5C one can see switch 60 which retains the closed position when the trolley 47 moves from right to left. This is achieved by providing a snap action blade 62. The rod 59a at the point in contact with the blade 62 is in sliding connection to pull the blade to its at rest position after the arm 59 of the trolley moves the rod 59:: back to the position shown in FIGURE 5C.

Another nylon string 61 is secured to the other end of carriage 47. The other end of string 61 is wound on drum 63 of a fishing reel type arrangement provided with free wheeling and engagement clutch operated by lever 65 which is actuated by solenoid 67. Lever 65 is spring loaded as at 69 to effect a normal free wheeling position.

in FIGURE 3.

driving force and drum reel 63 is in a free wheeling condition. The carriage moves to the right as motor 71 is energized and. solenoid 67 is energized. so there is clutch engagement permitting the reel 63 to Wind up string 51- and unwind drum 39.

Attention is nowdirected to FIGURE 4, which should be considered in connection with FIGURES 1, 2 and 3.

A clearer understanding of the operation of the golf game can be obtained by consideringthe manner in which the game is played. The golfer while standing at'floor portion 11 views on the screen a. picture of the fairway asit appears from the tee to the green 500 yards away as such a picture is projected by projector 15. None of the lights 17 are lighted prior to striking one of the golf balls 19.

'The golfer employs any club desirable to hit one ofthe longer will the shaft rotate thereby through sprocket gears 29 and 31 and chain 33 wind up string 43 on drum 39. As the string is wound the carriage moves initially past switch 60 which remains closed as the carriage passes. Switch 64] is connected to a 24 volt line to a step down transformer 75, which is connected to a 110 volt source.

Closingof switch 60, energizes a 5. second time delay switch 77. and a stepping relay 79. While the stepping relay is operated by 24 volt energy increments the relay output is at a 6 volt potential being connected by means of lead lines 80 and 81 to a 6 volt stepdown transformer 82 which in turn is connected to a 110 volt source. The 6 volt output from stopping relay 79' is divided into ten leadlines 83 each of which are connected to individual lamps 84.

A singlelamp 84 is placed behind each of the figures 1 through 9 and one lamp behind the term Game Over on the scoreboard 85. The scoreboard, in other words, consists of a translucent screen having the indicia shown Lamps are placed behind each of the numerical indicia and behind the term Game Over. Therefore, as stepping relay 79 is initially energized as switch 60 is closed the lamp 840 is energized which is behind the digit 1 on the scoreboard 85. It will be seen that this operation informs the player that hehas undertaken the first stroke.

As the carriage 47 moves further it closesthe first of momentarily closed switches 58. As this is accomplished stepping relay 87 is energized through lead lines 86 and 88. 7

Again the output of stepping relay 87 is 6 volts being connected to a 6 volt transformer 82 through leads 89 and 9t). The 6 volt output is divided into ten leads 91 which supply current to lamps 92 positioned behind the other indicia. For example as the first switch 58 is closed the two lamps behind indicia 450 and 50 are lighted as well as the lamp behind 42.5 M.P.H. Additionally,

lamps 17 on screen 13 become sequentially illuminated. The significance is that this indicates that the golfers.

left to right across the scoreboard and vertically up screen 13.

In FIGURE 3 it will be seen that stepping relay 79 is connected by leads 83- to the scoreboard in sequence with lamp 84a behind the panel indicating that the Game (is) Over. Likewise relay 87 is connected to bulbs 91 positioned behind Distance To Go and Distance Ball Hit,

also in sequence with bulb 92w behind the panel indicating that the Game (is) Over.

By adjusting the inclination of trackway and weight 53 on the carriage 47 it is possible to exactly simulate the kinetic energy necessary for the ball to travel the same distance in relation to the game as it would have traversed on an actual golf course. In other words, a golfer striking the ball with an equivalent force which would make it go for a distance of 200 yards would impart sufficient kinetic energy to the golf ball to permit the carriage to be drawn past the initial switch'6t) plus four switches 58 to operate the stepping relay four times thereby illuminating the indicia 300 yards to go, 200 yards distance ball hit and 170 M.P.H.

As the carriage quickly comes to rest due to the dissipation of the kinetic energy, the 5 second time delay switch 77 permits energization of solenoid 67 and motor 71. The operation of solenoid 67 is to clutch in the motor 71 so that reel rewinds string 61 returning carriage 47 to its original position. As carriage 47 moves past switch 6&9,- the switch is opened, thereby deenergizing the motor 71 and solenoid 67.

When the golfer has hit the ball so that it has gone 200 yards the 6 volt lead being also connected to the projector, which is a commercial type conventional projector which has been modified to change slides under 6 volt energization voltage, accomplishes a change in picture projection so that the picture is now of a fairway 300 yards from the flag.

Another picture change is made when the golf ball is only SOyards from the flag and when the game is over the projector automatically assumes the original position, showing the 500 yard view from the tee to the flag for the next game. 1

It will be appreciated that the relay projector 15 makes three changes as a result of connections from the stepping relay 87 as indicated in FIGURE 4. It will be noted that there are three lead lines to the relay projector from the stepping relay 87. Consequently, the view presented by the projector corresponds to the position of the stepping relay 87.

Assuming the score stands at 200 yards hit at the end ofthe first stroke, the golfer may hit the ball again. As

this is done switch 60 once again energizesstepping relay 79 to indicate a second stroke and a number of switches 58 are momentarily closed to effect additional lamps to indicate the further distance theoretically traversed by the ball. 7

The relay projector is such that the slides utilized are returned to their initial position. This may be accomplished by manual operation or by mounting the slide onan annular device so that the initial slide may be presented for projection.

When the stepping relay 87 reaches the last output indicating that the game is over the relay projector returns to the initial picture and lead 93 operates a relay to cut off the volt source which may be reset in a suitable manner. Additionally, lead 3 supplies energy to return stepping relay 79 to a zero stroke position.

While the game of the present invention has been described as being operated at 500 yards from the tee to the flag, it will be appreciated that the 500 yard distance is merely an arbitrary choice depending upon the distance of an actual fairway. In view of the fact that distances between the tee and the flag usually vary from hole to hole in any given course, provision can be made in the game of the present invention by positioning the 500 yards to go indicia on a revolving drum so that any conventional distance might be employed with other indicia printed on the surfaces of the drum.

Furthermore, while the foregoing description of the invention has appeared to ignore the putting part of the golf game,- i.e., that part when the ball reaches the green, such is not the intention. On the contrary, the present invention contemplates the inclusion of a putting arrangement in order to provide true authenticity to the game.

Additionally, it is within the purview of the present invention to modify the score board to indicate distances in less than 50 yard intervals. For instance it would be possible to set up a score board showing 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 yard intervals.

Without further analysis it will be appreciated that the various objects of the present invention have been accomplished so that a golf game is presented which when played indicates a correct and accurate simulation of a golfers ability to hit a golf ball for a distance which he would have driven the ball on a regular golf course and at the same time keeps score of the game as the golfer progresses.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modification and changes will readily occur to those skilled inthe art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What I claim is:

1. An automatic golf machine comprising a golf ball, an arm, said golf ball mounted at the end of said arm, a rotatable shaft, said arm being mounted on said rotatable shaft, a carriage, a trackway for said carriage, one end of a first line secured to one end of said carriage, a drum, the other end of said line secured to said drum, linkage means between said drum and said shaft for co-operation therebetween when said golf ball is driven whereby to windup said line thereby drawing said'carriage in one direction, one end of a second line secured to the other end of said carriage, a reel, the other end of said second line secured to said reel, motive means to drive said reel to windup said second line thereby drawing said carriage in the other direction, a plurality of normally open electric switches, said switches being positioned in a row along said trackway, said carriage having means for momentarily closing said switches as the carriage is drawn by said first line, an electrical circuit, a scoreboard having indicia indicating lamps, each of said switches being in said electrical circuit to sequentially energize said indicia indicating electric lamps on said scoreboard whereby to indicate the progress of said carriage, means for energizing said motive means to windup the second line thereby returning the carriage to its original position.

2. An automatic golf machine comprising a golf ball, an arm, said golf ball mounted at the end of said arm, a rotatable shaft, said arm being mounted on said rotatable shaft, a carriage, a trackway for said carriage, one end of a first line secured to one end of said carriage, a drum, the other end of said line secured to said drum, linkage means between said drum and said shaft for cooperation therebetween when said golf ball is driven whereby to windup said line thereby drawing said carriage in one direction, one end of a second line secured to the other end of said carriage, a reel, the other end of said second line secured to said reel, motive means to drive said reel to windup said second line thereby drawing said carriage in the other direction, a plurality of normally open electric switches, said switches being positioned in a row along said trackway, said carriage having means for momentarily closing said switches as the carriage is drawn by said first line, an electrical circuit, a scoreboard having indicia indicating lamps, each of said switches being in said electrical circuit to sequentially energize said indicia indicating electric lamps on said scoreboard whereby to indicate the progress of said carriage, means for energizing said motive means to windup the second line thereby returning the carriage to its original position, a projection screen positioned forward from said golf ball, a projector, said projector adapted to project a real image of the fairway of a golf course, a plurality of lights, said screen having said plurality of lights mounted thereon to operate in conjunction with said score board to indicate the theoretical position of the ball on the fairway after it has been driven.

3. An automatic golf machine comprising a golf ball, an arm, said golf ball mounted at the end of said arm, a rotatable shaft, said arm being mounted on said rotatable shaft, a first sprocket gear keyed on said shaft, another shaft, a second sprocket gear having a larger diameter keyed to said other shaft, a drum, said drum keyed to the other shaft, a chain, said chain riding on said gears for driving said drum when said golf ball is driven, a carriage, a trackway for said carriage, one end of a first line secured to one end of said carriage, the other end of said line secured to said drum to windup said line thereby drawing said carriage in one direction, one end of a second line secured to the other end of said carriage, a reel, the other end of said second line secured to said reel, motive means to drive said reel to windup said second line thereby drawing said carriage in the other direction, a plurality of normally open electric switches, said switches being positioned in a row along said trackway, said carriage having means for momentarily closing said switches as the carriage is drawn by said first line, an electrical circuit, a scoreboard having indicia indicating lamps, each of said switches being in said electrical circuit to sequentially energize said indicia indicating electric lamps on said scoreboard whereby to indicate the progress of said carriage, means for energizing said motive means to windup the second line thereby returning the carriage to its original position, a projection screen positioned forward from said golf ball, a projector, said projector adapted to project a real image of the fairway of a golf course, a plurality of lights, said screen having said plurality of lights mounted thereon to operate in conjunction with said scoreboard to indicate the theoretical position of the ball on the fairway after it has been driven.

4. An automatic golf machine comprising a golf ball, an arm, said golf ball mounted at the end of said arm, a rotatable shaft, said arm being mounted on said rotatable shaft, a first sprocket gear keyed on said shaft, another shaft, a second sprocket gear having a larger diameter keyed to said shaft, a drum, said drum keyed to the other shaft, a chain, said chain riding on said gears for driving said drum when said golf ball is driven, a carriage, said carriage having means to vary the force necessary to move it, a trackway for said carriage, one end of a first line secured to one end of said carriage, the other end of said line secured to said drum to windup said line thereby drawing said carriage in one direction, one end of a second line secured to the other end of said carriage, a reel, the other end of said second line secured to said reel, motive means to drive said reel to windup said second line thereby drawing said carriage in the other direction, a plurality of normally open electric switches, said switches being positioned in a row along said trackway, said carriage having means for momentarily closing said switches as the carriage is drawn by said first line, an electrical circuit, a scoreboard having indicia indicating lamps, each of said switches being in said electrical circuit to sequentially energize said indicia indicating electric lamps on said scoreboard whereby to indicate the progress of said carriage, means for energizing said motive means to windup the second line thereby returning the carriage to its original position, a projection screen positioned forward from said golf ball, a projector, said projector adapted to project a real image of the fairway of a golf course, a plurality of lights, said screen having said plurality of lights mounted thereon to operate in conjunc- 2,051,751 8/36 Simon e 273-185 tion with said scoreboard to indicate the theoretical 2,179,891 11/39 Kaplan 273-185 2,528,616 11/50 Smith 273-185 5 position of the ballvon the fairway after it has been driven.

References Cited by the Examiner 5 RICHARD C. QUEISSER, Primary Exqm'ifier.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,761,317 6/30' Strasser 273185 EVANS, Examiners.

R. C. PINKHAM, DAVID SCHONBERG, ROBERT L. 

1. AN AUTOMATIC GOLF MACHINE COMPRISING A GOLF BALL, AN ARM, SAID GOLF BALL MOUNTED AT THE END OF SAID ARM, A ROTATABLE SHAFT, SAID ARM BEING MOUNTED ON SAID ROTATABLE SHAFT, A CARRIAGE, A TRACKWAY FOR SAID CARRIAGE, ONE END OF A FIRST LINE SECURED TO ONE END OF SAID CARRIAGE, A DRUM, THE OTHER END OF SAID LINE SECURED TO SAID DRUM, LINKAGE MEANS BETWEEN SAID DRUM AND SAID SHAFT FOR CO-OPERATION THEREBETWEEN WHEN SAID GOLF BALL IS DRIVEN WHEREBY TO WINDUP SAID LINE THEREBY DRAWING SAID CARRIAGE IN ONE DIRECTION, ONE END OF A SECOND LINE SECURED TO THE OTHER END OF SAID CARRIAGE, A REEL, THE OTHER END OF SAID SECOND LINE SECURED TO SAID REEL, MOTIVE MEANS TO DRIVE SAID REEL TO WINDUP SAID SECOND LINE THEREBY DRAWING SAID CARRIAGE IN THE OTHER DIRECTION, A PLURALITY OF NORMALLY OPEN ELECTRIC SWITCHES, SAID SWITCHES BEING POSITIONED IN A ROW ALONG SAID TRACKWAY, SAID CARRIAGE HAVING MEANS FOR MOMENTARILY CLOSING SAID SWITCHES AS THE CARRIAGE IS DRAWN BY SAID FIRST LINE, AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT, A SCOREBOARD HAVING INDICIA INDICATING LAMPS, EACH OF SAID SWITCHES BEING IN SAID ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT TO SEQUENTIALLY ENERGIZE SAID INDICIA INDICATING ELECTRIC LAMPS ON SAID SCOREBOARD WHEREBY TO INDICATE THE PROGRESS OF SAID CARRIAGE, MEANS FOR ENERGIZING SAID MOTIVE MEANS TO WINDUP THE SECOND LINE THEREBY RETURNING THE CARRIAGE TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION. 